• Greubel Forsey Nano Foudroyante EWT a Revolution in Energy Management
  • Greubel Forsey Nano Foudroyante EWT

    A Revolution in Energy Management

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    November 1, 2024
  • Greubel Forsey has consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking with their groundbreaking innovations and exceptional craftsmanship. Their timepieces are not mere instruments to measure time; they are intricate microcosms of mechanical ingenuity, captivating the eye and inspiring awe in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts alike. Now, in celebration of their 20th anniversary, Greubel Forsey unveils their 10th Fundamental Invention: the Nano Foudroyante EWT. This remarkable timepiece, limited to a mere 11 pieces, embodies the culmination of two decades of relentless pursuit of horological excellence.

    Before we delve into the intricacies of this groundbreaking watch, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate the legacy of Greubel Forsey. Founded in 2004 by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, the independent watchmaking atelier quickly gained recognition for its unique approach to traditional watchmaking. They have consistently challenged conventions, introducing groundbreaking inventions such as the Double Tourbillon 30° and the Quadruple Tourbillon, redefining the very concept of precision timekeeping. Their timepieces are characterized by a meticulous attention to detail, with each component hand-finished to perfection. The movements, often described as "kinetic sculptures," are a testament to their unwavering commitment to both technical innovation and aesthetic beauty.

    Courtesy of Greubel Forsey
    Courtesy of Greubel Forsey


    The Nano Foudroyante EWT is a testament to Greubel Forsey's mastery of micro-engineering and their relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of horological innovation. The watch's name itself hints at its groundbreaking features: "Nano" refers to the nanometric scale at which the mechanism's energy is managed, "Foudroyante" signifies the lightning-fast seconds indicator, and "EWT" stands for "Experimental Watch Technology," a designation reserved for Greubel Forsey's most innovative creations.

    At the heart of this exceptional timepiece lies the world's first perpetual Nano Foudroyante, a complication that displays the seconds with remarkable precision. The foudroyante, or "lightning," seconds hand makes one complete revolution per second, dividing it into six distinct segments, thanks to the movement's 3 Hz frequency. What sets this foudroyante apart is its groundbreaking energy efficiency. Traditional foudroyante mechanisms consume a significant amount of energy, but Greubel Forsey's Nano Foudroyante operates at the nanojoule scale, reducing energy consumption by a factor of 1,800 compared to conventional designs. This incredible feat of micro-engineering is achieved by eliminating the complex gear train found in traditional foudroyantes and sourcing the information directly from the movement, minimizing energy loss and reducing the overall size of the mechanism.

    Courtesy of Greubel Forsey
    Courtesy of Greubel Forsey


    Encapsulating this revolutionary complication is Greubel Forsey's first-ever flying tourbillon. This intricate mechanism, a hallmark of haute horlogerie, not only enhances the watch's precision but also serves as a mesmerizing visual spectacle. The flying tourbillon, with its delicately crafted cage and rapidly rotating balance wheel, appears to float effortlessly above the dial, captivating the observer with its intricate dance of mechanical motion. Furthermore, Greubel Forsey has ingeniously ensured that the Nano Foudroyante's dial remains permanently oriented towards the 12 o'clock position, even as the flying tourbillon rotates, guaranteeing optimal readability.

    The Nano Foudroyante EWT is housed in a 37.9 mm case crafted from a combination of white gold and tantalum, a rare and highly durable metal known for its distinctive blue-gray hue. The case design, while contemporary in its aesthetic, retains the signature Greubel Forsey elements, such as the curved bezel and the sculpted lugs. The dial, a multi-layered masterpiece of craftsmanship, features a captivating interplay of textures and finishes. The hour-ring and minute-circle are crafted from gold and rhodium-colored metal, with engraved numerals and a black lacquered finish. The small seconds and chronograph minutes counter are also made of gold, with a polished bevel adding a touch of refinement. The foudroyante seconds display, positioned prominently at the forefront, is frosted and features engraved fractions of a second, further enhancing its visual appeal.

    At the heart of the Nano Foudroyante EWT beats a manually wound flyback movement, a testament to Greubel Forsey's mastery of traditional watchmaking techniques. This movement, comprising 428 meticulously finished components, is a marvel of micro-engineering, boasting a power reserve of one full day, even with the chronograph engaged. The movement's frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour ensures exceptional accuracy, while the inclusion of a column-wheel control mechanism within the flyback complication adds a layer of sophistication and refinement.

    Courtesy of Greubel Forsey
    Courtesy of Greubel Forsey


    The movement's architecture is a sight to behold, with its bridges and plates adorned with intricate hand-finishing techniques. Greubel Forsey's signature black polish, a technique that requires exceptional skill and patience, is applied to various components, creating a mirror-like surface that reflects light with mesmerizing brilliance. Anglage, another hallmark of Greubel Forsey's craftsmanship, is employed to create perfectly smooth and rounded edges on the bridges and plates, further enhancing the movement's visual appeal.

    The flying tourbillon, a defining feature of the Nano Foudroyante EWT, is a testament to Greubel Forsey's mastery of this intricate complication. The tourbillon cage, crafted from titanium and comprising 142 parts, rotates once every minute, counteracting the effects of gravity on the watch's regulating organ. The cage's bridges are adorned with circular graining and polished beveling, while the straight-grained flanks are engraved with the Greubel Forsey logo, adding a touch of personalization. The platinum counterweight, meticulously shaped and polished, provides the perfect balance for the rotating cage.

    The Nano Foudroyante EWT's case, measuring 37.9 mm in diameter and 10.49 mm in height, is a masterpiece of both form and function. Crafted from a combination of white gold and tantalum, the case exudes an air of understated sophistication. The tantalum bezel, hand-polished to perfection, provides a subtle contrast to the white gold caseband, which is further enhanced by hand-finished straight graining. The transparent tantalum caseback offers a captivating view of the intricate movement within, showcasing the watch's mechanical beauty.

    Courtesy of Greubel Forsey
    Courtesy of Greubel Forsey


    The dial of the Nano Foudroyante EWT is a multi-layered work of art, featuring a harmonious blend of textures and finishes. The hour-ring and minute-circle, crafted from gold and rhodium-colored metal, are engraved and black lacquered, providing excellent legibility. The small seconds and chronograph minutes counter, also made of gold, feature polished bevels, adding a touch of refinement. The foudroyante seconds display, positioned prominently at the forefront, is frosted and features engraved fractions of a second, further enhancing its visual appeal.

    Completing the Nano Foudroyante EWT's refined aesthetic is a hand-sewn strap crafted from non-animal material. The strap's supple texture and elegant design perfectly complement the watch's overall aesthetic, providing both comfort and style. The white gold pin buckle, hand-engraved with the Greubel Forsey logo, adds a final touch of luxury.

    Courtesy of Greubel Forsey
    Courtesy of Greubel Forsey


    The Greubel Forsey Nano Foudroyante EWT is not just a timepiece; it's a testament to the artistry and dedication that define Greubel Forsey's approach to watchmaking. This exceptional creation, limited to just 11 pieces, is priced at 465,000 CHF (Swiss Francs), reflecting its exclusivity and the unparalleled level of craftsmanship involved in its creation.

    With its groundbreaking Nano Foudroyante complication, its mesmerizing flying tourbillon, and its meticulously crafted case and dial, the Nano Foudroyante EWT is a watch that will undoubtedly captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. It's a timepiece that embodies the pinnacle of horological innovation and artistic expression, solidifying Greubel Forsey's position at the forefront of haute horlogerie.
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